Claudia Shear

Claudia Shear is an American actress, writer, and producer who has made a name for herself in both theater and film. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1962, Shear grew up in a Jewish family and attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

Shear's breakout role came in 1993 when she wrote and starred in the one-woman show "Blown Sideways Through Life." The play, which chronicled Shear's experiences working a variety of odd jobs, was a critical and commercial success, earning Shear an Obie Award and Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance.

In 2000, Shear made her Broadway debut with "Dirty Blonde," a play she co-wrote with James Lapine. The show, which explored the life of legendary actress Mae West, earned Shear a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play. Shear also received a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play for her performance.

Shear's other Broadway credits include roles in "The Women," "Smash," and "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife." She has also appeared in a number of off-Broadway productions, including "Straight," "Restoration," and "The Adult Life of Toulouse Lautrec."

In addition to her work on stage, Shear has also made a name for herself in film and television. She appeared in the 1997 film "Living Out Loud" alongside Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito, and had a recurring role on the television series "Friends" as the character of Mary the "stalker." She has also made guest appearances on a number of other popular TV shows, including "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "The Mindy Project," and "Difficult People."

Shear is also a prolific writer and has contributed to a number of publications, including The New York Times, Vogue, and Vanity Fair. She has also written several plays, including "Dirty Blonde" and "Restoration," which was later adapted into a film starring Robert Downey Jr.

In addition to her work in the arts, Shear is also an activist and has been involved in a number of social justice causes. She has worked with organizations such as the Gay Men's Health Crisis and the Hetrick-Martin Institute, which provides support to LGBTQ youth.

Shear's talent and versatility as an actress and writer have earned her numerous accolades throughout her career. In addition to her Tony and Drama Desk nominations, she has also been honored with a Guggenheim Fellowship, a MacArthur Fellowship, and a New York State Council on the Arts grant.

Despite her success, Shear remains humble and grounded, and is known for her generosity and kindness towards others. She continues to work in the arts and to use her platform to advocate for social change, making her a true inspiration to all who know her.